The answer to curly hair woes probably won’t come from one magic product. Luckily there’s cocktailing, where you can play mixologist to achieve the exact results your client wants. Check out these texture experts’ custom hair brews.
EXPERT: Robert Santana, Matrix artist
CHALLENGE: Moisturizing dehydrated coils
INGREDIENTS: Matrix Oil Wonders Indian Amla Oil, Amazonian Murumuru and Egyption Hibiscus Oil
“Select your appropriate oil based on the desired result for your client,” Santana says. “Oils can be used in many ways with different benefits. Indian Amla Oil strengthens weakened hair inside and out, Amazonian Murumuru de-volumizes rebellious hair for infinite smoothness and control, and Egyptian Hibiscus Oil shields color-treated hair for restored vibrancy with shine. Utilize oil at every step for the ultimate care experience, shampoo, condition, treat, style and finish, blending as you go.”
EXPERT: Sara Smith, Stylist, Barbara Forgione Salon, Tampa, FL
CHALLENGE: Creating soft curls with shine
INGREDIENTS: Amika Leave In Cream, Straight Up Smoothing Balm and Curl Defining Cream
Start with two pumps of Amika Leave In Cream from midshaft to ends says Smith. Then apply one palm-press of oil. Palm pressing is when you press the opening of your oil container into the palm of your hand, she explains. The small amount of oil in the palm of your hand is the perfect amount. Next, mix together two pumps of Straight Up Smooth and two pumps of Curl Cream. Work through the hair and scrunch.
EXPERT: Dianne Nola, Curly Hair Specialist, Nola Studio, San Francisco
CHALLENGE: Reviving distressed curly hair
INGREDIENTS: DevaCurl Heaven in Hair, Styling Cream, Mirror Curls and DevaCurl Light, Ultra or Arc Gel
“When working with extremely dry, gray or colored hair, I like to use Heaven In Hair as a leave-in, then cocktail Styling Cream and Mirror Curls to add to it,” Nola says. “This leaves the hair in an extremely hydrated state. Unlike most serums in the industry, Mirror Curls contains no silicones and truly does add shine to the finished locks. Then I add one of the gels (Light, Ultra, or Arc) to the mix or apply next. Not only is the actual weight of the cocktail crucial in creating length, but the various techniques to hold those coils down.”
EXPERT: Stacy Hill, Owner, DyeVerCity Hair Salon, Martinez, GA
CHALLENGE: Long-lasting hold
INGREDIENTS: Urbanbella No. 7 Non Lather Cleanser, Mop Top Conditioner, Mop Top Light Hold Gel and Obia Curl Moisture Cream
“I start with Urbanbella non-lather cleanser,” Hills says. “Urbanbella gently cleans my hair from all residue build up while giving me a cool sensation on my scalp. My conditioner of choice is Mop Top daily conditioner. It doubles as a leave in. When rinsing, you only rinse 80 percent out of the hair. For styling, I use Mop Top light hold gel coupled with Obia moisture cream. The key is don’t over use the products, a quarter/half dollar size goes a long way. The seaweed extracts in Mop Top and moisturizing oils in Obia keep my curls intact for up to 3-4 days.”
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